Abuse scandal: Epstein papers with prominent names released

In a trial involving sex offender Epstein’s accomplice Maxwell, documents have been published in which the names of celebrities appear. But that doesn’t mean that they were part of Epstein’s network.

In the scandal surrounding sexual violence by US multimillionaire Jeffrey Epstein, a court has published the real names of around 170 people who were previously mostly treated anonymously. They were named in a civil dispute between the aggrieved American Virginia Giuffre and Epstein’s long-time partner Ghislaine Maxwell.

The more than 900 pages of court documents contain, among other things, the previously known names of former US President Bill Clinton and British Prince Andrew, who were once considered Epstein’s confidants.

A mention in the court documents does not mean that the person was an active part of the Epstein criminal network. It only proves that the respective names were used in the civil trial against Epstein’s accomplice Maxwell. Some people on the list are relatives of victims of sexual violence by Epstein.

Clinton and Prince Andrew mentioned by name

According to the media, Clinton, previously referred to in the trial as “John Doe 36”, did not object to his name being used. He is said to have met Epstein several times and also used his private jet.

Prince Andrew’s name appears just as often. Andrew was able to avert a civil lawsuit related to Epstein’s network in 2022. Despite US plaintiff Virginia Giuffre’s allegations against him, he never publicly admitted to having had sex with the then minor.

For decades Sexual crimes in Epstein estate

Epstein was arrested in July 2019. The businessman, who had connections in the highest circles, is said to have committed sexual violence against numerous girls, including underage girls, and also introduced those affected to other men. About a month after his arrest, Epstein was found dead in his cell at the age of 66. According to official information, he took his own life.

For decades, the sex crimes are said to have taken place at Epstein’s estate in New York, Florida, Santa Fe and the Virgin Islands. An earlier indictment against Epstein resulted in a very advantageous deal for the entrepreneur, which made him a symbol of a social elite that can get away with crime.

Also mentioning Trump, Hawking and Jackson

Epstein’s celebrity relationships and death gave rise to numerous rumors and conspiracy theories. The publication of the now released documents also caused a lot of speculation. Former President Donald Trump is also mentioned in the present writings – but only in the context of the questioning of a witness who stated that she had never had sexual contact with Trump.

However, the names of the musician Michael Jackson and the astrophysicist Stephen Hawking seem to be new. At least the celebrities’ one-time presence at one of Epstein’s events seems to be derived from them.